Retrogenix has developed a unique technology for identifying specific interactions that occur between a test molecule and proteins on the surface of human cells. This is a critical step in many biological research projects which has traditionally posed a major bottleneck due to the limitations of the techniques that were previously available. The new technology is saving millions of pounds in research costs and preventing unnecessary project delays as scientists receive faster, more accurate results, often at lower costs than investing in standard methods.
The innovation has helped researchers to understand a variety of different biological processes such as how a malaria parasite binds to blood vessels in the brain, or how a virus attaches to the human cell. It is also widely used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for assessing how a particular drug works and whether it might have toxic effects. As such, the technology is facilitating advances in medical research which will ultimately lead to novel vaccines and therapies for patients.
Co-founded in 2008 by scientists Dr Jim Freeth and Jo Soden, Retrogenix has brought stable, high tech jobs to Whaley Bridge in the Peak District where the company is head-quartered. With almost 70% of its trade overseas, the company is contributing to the wider UK economy as well as bolstering the UK's position as a leader in innovative science and technology.
Dr Jim Freeth, Managing Director of Retrogenix, said: "It is an honour to receive the Queens' Award for Innovation. The novel approach and high success rate of our human cell microarray technology has allowed us to develop great working relationships with many of the world's major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic groups, advancing their research and development and supporting breakthroughs in medical research and pharmaceutical discovery."
Executive Director, Jo Soden added: "We have a fantastic team here at Retrogenix and we continue to expand the company and invest in innovation in order to further increase the value of our technology."
About Retrogenix
Retrogenix's proprietary cell microarray technology provides a fast, accurate and effective solution for determining the primary target and secondary target (off-target) activities of antibodies, proteins, small molecules and viruses. Microarrays of over 3,500 plasma membrane proteins expressed in human cells allow physiologically relevant interactions with test molecules or protein ligands to be identified with high sensitivity and specificity. Retrogenix's technology has provided the critical breakthrough for a team studying the molecular mechanisms of severe malaria in children, the results of which were published in the journal Nature (2013, 498:502). The technology is also widely used by major global pharmaceutical companies to advance drug discovery and development, predominantly in biologics research.
Retrogenix is headquartered near Manchester, UK, and has a US office in Cambridge, MA.